How to Measure for Jersey Fit

Most sizing mistakes happen because someone guessed instead of measuring. Ten minutes with a tape measure saves you a jersey that doesn't fit, and custom jerseys can't be returned for fit.

What you need

• A soft, flexible tape measure
• A second person to hold the tape
• A notepad or your team roster to record each number

Measure every player the same way. If one parent measures over a hoodie and another over a T-shirt, your sizes won't line up.

Body measurement vs laid-flat jersey measurement

There are two ways to measure, and mixing them up is a common sizing error.

A body measurement is taken around the player. A chest measurement of this kind goes all the way around the body.

A laid-flat measurement is taken on a jersey lying flat on a table. A flat chest measurement goes straight across the front from armpit to armpit, so it is only half the way around. Double it to compare with a body chest measurement.

The flat method is the easiest way to size a team: find a jersey that already fits the player well, lay it flat and measure it. That tells you how much room the player likes, including over gear. The size chart on the Resources page lists jersey measurements laid flat, so you can compare a flat measurement straight against it.

Chest

On the body: have the player stand relaxed with arms down. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, under the armpits and across the shoulder blades. Keep it level and snug but not tight. Measure over a T-shirt, not over pads.

On a jersey: lay it flat and smooth out wrinkles. Measure straight across from one armpit seam to the other, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) below the armpit. Double that number for the full chest.

Chest is the main number for choosing a size.

Length

On the body: measure from the highest point of the shoulder, where it meets the neck, straight down to where you want the jersey to end. For hockey, that is usually over the top of the pants.

On a jersey: lay it flat and measure from the highest point of the shoulder seam, next to the collar, straight down to the bottom hem.

Sleeve

On the body: have the player hold one arm out slightly bent. Measure from the centre of the back of the neck, across the shoulder, down the outside of the arm to the wrist.

On a jersey: lay it flat with the sleeve straight. Measure from the centre of the back collar, across the shoulder seam, to the end of the cuff.

Hockey sleeves need to cover elbow pads and meet the gloves, so check sleeve length for taller players and anyone between sizes.

Socks

Hockey socks are sized by length, measured laid flat from the top of the sock to the bottom. They run from 18 inches (YS) to 32 inches (XXL), and get wider as they get longer.

Pick the length that covers the player's shin pads.

Pant shells

Pant shells go over hockey pants, so size them to the pants, not the player.

Lay the player's hockey pants flat and take three numbers: the width straight across the top, the length down the outside of the leg, and the waist. Compare them with the pant shell chart on the Resources page. The waist runs from 20 inches (YS) to 34 inches (XXL).

Choosing the size

Compare your numbers with the size chart on the Resources page. Our hockey jerseys come in YS, YM, YL, S, M, L, XL, XXL and GXXL, which has extra room for goalie gear.

• Use measurements, not the size the player wears in another brand. Sizes vary a lot between makers.
• If a player is between sizes in the Classic or Pro cut, size up so the jersey fits over pads.
• Measure youth players close to the order date. Kids grow fast, and a measurement from last season may be out of date.
• Keep each player's measurements and size on your roster. Team Manager saves your designs, so you can reorder a single jersey later without starting over.